Customized Power Rating for Computer Equipment

ABSTRACT

A mechanism is provided for customized power rating for computer equipment. A power monitor determines actual power consumption by computer equipment in a facility. After equipment has been stressed, an operator sends the actual power consumption information to the manufacturer. The manufacturer receives the actual power consumption information and issues a certificate that acknowledges the equipment will not consume more power than what was measured. The manufacturer may provide digital media that instructs power management hardware in the computer equipment to adhere to an actual case power limit. The power management hardware treats the actual case power limit as a hard power limit. That is, the power management hardware will not specify a power cap higher than the actual case power limit. The power management hardware prevents the equipment from crossing the actual case power limit.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to an improved data processingapparatus and method and more specifically to an apparatus and methodfor customized power rating for computer equipment.

Information technology (IT) equipment is required to indicate its powerconsumption (rating). The rating is used to determine appropriateelectrical wiring based on the electrical code. The manufacturer affixeslabels to equipment specifying the power rating information, which mayinclude maximum (peak) current, maximum combined wattage, continuouspower, or the like. Only installations that adhere to appropriate wiringpractices are insurable.

The power consumption of IT equipment depends on the configuration ofthe equipment and the workload that the equipment runs. To stay withinlimits, manufacturers rate the equipment for “worst case” conditions(e.g., 35° C., high altitude, etc.), maximum configuration (e.g., allprocessor sockets full, all drive bays full, all expansion card slotsoccupied, all memory slots occupied, etc.), and extreme workloads (e.g.,linear algebra functions, power virus, etc.).

Data center and IT operators request an amount of power from the powercompany based on the power rating of the equipment. Insurance companiesdetermine how much power the equipment can consume and still beinsurable. However, computer equipment seldom uses the amount of powerindicated by the manufacturer's power rating, which results inunnecessary capital investments that impede IT growth.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, a method is provided in a dataprocessing system for customized power rating for computer equipment.The method comprises receiving a default power limit for a computerdevice, recording actual case power information for the computer devicebased on an actual configuration and workload of the computer device,and applying an actual case power limit to the computer device, whereinthe actual case power limit is determined based on the recorded actualcase power information.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided in a dataprocessing system for customized power rating for computer equipment.The method comprises rating a computer device based on a worst caseconfiguration and workload of the computer device to generate a defaultpower limit for the computer device and providing an electrical ratingsticker for the computer device. The electrical rating sticker indicatesthe default power limit for the computer device. The method furthercomprises receiving, from a customer, actual case power information forthe computer device based on an actual configuration and workload of thecomputer device, determining an actual case power limit for the computerdevice based on the received actual case power information, andreturning to the customer a certificate defining the actual case powerlimit.

In other illustrative embodiments, a computer program product comprisinga computer useable or readable medium having a computer readable programis provided. The computer readable program, when executed on a computingdevice, causes the computing device to perform various ones, andcombinations of, the operations outlined above with regard to the methodillustrative embodiment.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus is provided. Theapparatus may comprise one or more processors and a memory coupled tothe one or more processors. The memory may comprise instructions which,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform various ones, and combinations of, the operationsoutlined above with regard to the method illustrative embodiment.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed in, or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of, the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectivesand advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a pictorial representation of an example distributed dataprocessing system in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example data processing system in whichaspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information technologycomputer equipment in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a data processing system forcustomized power rating for computer equipment in accordance with anillustrative embodiment; and

FIGS. 5A-5E are flowcharts outlining example operations of providingcustomized power ratings for computer equipment in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments provide a mechanism for customized powerrating for computer equipment. A power monitor determines actual powerconsumption by computer equipment in a facility. After equipment hasbeen stressed, an operator sends the actual power consumptioninformation to the manufacturer. The manufacturer receives the actualpower consumption information and issues a certificate that acknowledgesthe equipment will not consume more power than what was measured. Themanufacturer may provide digital media that instructs power managementhardware in the computer equipment to adhere to an actual case powerlimit. The power management hardware treats the actual case power limitas a hard power limit. That is, the power management hardware will notspecify an operational power cap higher than the actual case powerlimit. The power management hardware prevents the equipment fromcrossing the operational power cap, thus enforcing the new certificate.

In one example embodiment, the manufacturer may issue the certificate asa label that specifies the actual case power limit. The operator mayplace the label over the original power rating label. In one embodiment,the label may contain a radio frequency identifier (RFID) sensor thatprovides a signal when close to the power management hardware. The RFIDmay communicate the actual case power limit information. In anotherembodiment, the manufacturer may provide a digital medium, such as aflash memory card or the like, containing the actual case power limitinformation. The operator may insert the digital medium into theequipment so that the power management hardware can read the actual casepower limit information. The operator may cover the digital medium withthe label. The RFID sensor or digital medium may be encoded such that itonly works in the equipment that matches the same serial number.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments may be utilized in many differenttypes of data processing environments including a distributed dataprocessing environment, a single data processing device, or the like. Inorder to provide a context for the description of the specific elementsand functionality of the illustrative embodiments, FIGS. 1 and 2 areprovided hereafter as example environments in which aspects of theillustrative embodiments may be implemented. While the descriptionfollowing FIGS. 1 and 2 will focus primarily on a single data processingdevice implementation, this is only an example and is not intended tostate or imply any limitation with regard to the features of the presentinvention. To the contrary, the illustrative embodiments are intended toinclude distributed data processing environments and embodiments inwhich computer equipment operates under customized power ratings.

With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, example diagrams of data processing environments areprovided in which illustrative embodiments of the present invention maybe implemented. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 1 and 2 are onlyexamples and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation withregard to the environments in which aspects or embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented. Many modifications to the depictedenvironments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a pictorialrepresentation of an example distributed data processing system in whichaspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Distributeddata processing system 100 may include a network of computers in whichaspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Thedistributed data processing system 100 contains at least one network102, which is the medium used to provide communication links betweenvarious devices and computers connected together within distributed dataprocessing system 100. The network 102 may include connections, such aswire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

In the depicted example, server 104 and server 106 are connected tonetwork 102 along with storage unit 108. In addition, clients 110, 112,and 114 are also connected to network 102. These clients 110, 112, and114 may be, for example, personal computers, network computers, or thelike. In the depicted example, server 104 provides data, such as bootfiles, operating system images, and applications to the clients 110,112, and 114. Clients 110, 112, and 114 are clients to server 104 in thedepicted example. Distributed data processing system 100 may includeadditional servers, clients, and other devices not shown.

In the depicted example, distributed data processing system 100 is theInternet with network 102 representing a worldwide collection ofnetworks and gateways that use the Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicatewith one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone ofhigh-speed data communication lines between major nodes or hostcomputers, consisting of thousands of commercial, governmental,educational and other computer systems that route data and messages. Ofcourse, the distributed data processing system 100 may also beimplemented to include a number of different types of networks, such asfor example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the like. As stated above, FIG. 1 is intended as anexample, not as an architectural limitation for different embodiments ofthe present invention, and therefore, the particular elements shown inFIG. 1 should not be considered limiting with regard to the environmentsin which the illustrative embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an example dataprocessing system is shown in which aspects of the illustrativeembodiments may be implemented. Data processing system 200 is an exampleof a computer, such as server 104 or client 110 in FIG. 1, in whichcomputer usable code or instructions implementing the processes forillustrative embodiments of the present invention may be located.

In the depicted example, data processing system 200 employs a hubarchitecture including north bridge and memory controller hub (NB/MCH)202 and south bridge and input/output (I/O) controller hub (SB/ICH) 204.Processing unit 206, main memory 208, and graphics processor 210 areconnected to NB/MCH 202. Graphics processor 210 may be connected toNB/MCH 202 through an accelerated graphics port (AGP).

In the depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter 212 connectsto SB/ICH 204. Audio adapter 216, keyboard and mouse adapter 220, modem222, read only memory (ROM) 224, hard disk drive (HDD) 226, CD-ROM drive230, universal serial bus (USB) ports and other communication ports 232,and PCI/PCIe devices 234 connect to SB/ICH 204 through bus 238 and bus240. PCI/PCIe devices may include, for example, Ethernet adapters,add-in cards, and PC cards for notebook computers. PCI uses a card buscontroller, while PCIe does not. ROM 224 may be, for example, a flashbasic input/output system (BIOS).

HDD 226 and CD-ROM drive 230 connect to SB/ICH 204 through bus 240. HDD226 and CD-ROM drive 230 may use, for example, an integrated driveelectronics (IDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)interface. Super I/O (SIO) device 236 may be connected to SB/ICH 204.

An operating system runs on processing unit 206. The operating systemcoordinates and provides control of various components within the dataprocessing system 200 in FIG. 2. As a client, the operating system maybe a commercially available operating system such as Microsoft® Windows®XP (Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in theUnited States, other countries, or both). An object-oriented programmingsystem, such as the Java™ programming system, may run in conjunctionwith the operating system and provides calls to the operating systemfrom Java™ programs or applications executing on data processing system200 (Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States,other countries, or both).

As a server, data processing system 200 may be, for example, an IBM®eServer™ System p® computer system, running the Advanced InteractiveExecutive (AIX®) operating system or the LINUX® operating system(eServer, System p, and AIX are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or bothwhile LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, othercountries, or both). Data processing system 200 may be a symmetricmultiprocessor (SMP) system including a plurality of processors inprocessing unit 206. Alternatively, a single processor system may beemployed.

Instructions for the operating system, the object-oriented programmingsystem, and applications or programs are located on storage devices,such as HDD 226, and may be loaded into main memory 208 for execution byprocessing unit 206. The processes for illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention may be performed by processing unit 206 using computerusable program code, which may be located in a memory such as, forexample, main memory 208, ROM 224, or in one or more peripheral devices226 and 230, for example.

A bus system, such as bus 238 or bus 240 as shown in FIG. 2, may becomprised of one or more buses. Of course, the bus system may beimplemented using any type of communication fabric or architecture thatprovides for a transfer of data between different components or devicesattached to the fabric or architecture. A communication unit, such asmodem 222 or network adapter 212 of FIG. 2, may include one or moredevices used to transmit and receive data. A memory may be, for example,main memory 208, ROM 224, or a cache such as found in NB/MCH 202 in FIG.2.

Data processing system 200 may take the form of any of a number ofdifferent data processing systems including client computing devices,server computing devices, a tablet computer, laptop computer, telephoneor other communication device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), orthe like. In some illustrative examples, data processing system 200 maybe a portable computing device which is configured with flash memory toprovide non-volatile memory for storing operating system files and/oruser-generated data, for example. Essentially, data processing system200 may be any known or later developed data processing system withoutarchitectural limitation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information technologycomputer equipment in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments maybe implemented. Data processing system 300 is an example of a computer,such as server 104 in FIG. 1, in which computer usable code orinstructions implementing the processes for illustrative embodiments maybe located. As shown in FIG. 3, data processing system 300 may beprovided in a chassis, such as a BladeCenter® chassis available fromInternational Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, N.Y. Within thechassis, a plurality of host servers or host systems may be provided onapplication blades 310-320. Each host servers 310-320 may have one ormore input/output adapters including a base Ethernet (base EN) adapterfor communication with an Ethernet switch 330, an optional I/O (opt I/O)adapter for communication with an optional switch 332, and SAS host busadapter (SAS HBA) for communication with SAS subsystems 340 and 350. Inaddition to these elements, a chassis management module 360, powersubsystem 365, and security module 370 may be provided within thechassis for performing various management, power, and securityfunctions. The elements of the chassis communicate with one another viaa SAN fabric.

The SAN fabric may include connections, such as wired links, wirelesscommunication links, fiber optic cables, or the like. The SAN fabric mayutilize one or more communication protocols including, for example,Fibre Channel, Ethernet, or the like. In the depicted example, the SANfabric uses SAS to communicate between the application blades 310-320and the storage subsystems 380 and 390 via the SAS subsystems 340 and350.

The SAS subsystems 340 and 350 operate as switches in the SAN fabric andcontrollers for accessing the storage subsystems 380 and 390. As shownin FIG. 3, the storage subsystems 380 and 390 are comprised of aplurality of storage devices 382 and 392, respectively, which areaccessed via one or more SAS expanders 384, 386, 394, and 396. Thestorage devices 382 and 392 may comprise a single disk drive, tapedrive, optical drive, or a plurality of such storage devices, such as ina disk array. For example, the storage device 382 may comprise a diskarray, such as a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) system withthe disk devices in the RAID system being Just a Bunch of Disks (JBOD)devices and/or Switched Bunch of Disks (SBOD) systems.

The SAS subsystems 340 and 350 may themselves comprise a host side SASexpander 342, 352, and a storage subsystem side SAS expander 344, 354.The SAS expanders 342, 344, 352, 354, 384, 386, 394, and 396 may beconfigured to support zoning. Moreover, the SAS subsystems 340 and 350may further comprise storage subsystem controllers, such as RAIDcontrollers 346 and 356, blade management controllers (BMC) 348 and 358,and at least one zone manager 349 and 359. The RAID controllers 346 and356 perform various control operations for controlling operation andaccess to the storage subsystems 380 and 390. The BMCs 348 and 358perform various management operations for managing the applicationblades 310-320 of the chassis. The BMCs 348 and 358 may communicate withthe chassis management module 360 to obtain vital product data (VPD) forthe various application blades 310-320 and storage subsystems 380 and390.

As seen in FIG. 3, data processing system 300 may contain many multiplefunction components, such as application blades, SAS subsystems, storagesubsystems, and the like. These multiple function components may beembodied in a blade or other self-contained package that is easilyremoved and replaced. A multiple function component may take the form ofa customer replaceable unit (CRU), which is a circuit board, part, orassembly that can be quickly and easily removed from a data processingsystem or other piece of electronic equipment and replaced by thecustomer or a technician without having to send the entire product orsystem to a repair facility. For example, a blade may have its own CPU,memory, and hard disk, where each function within the blade may operateindependently.

A manufacturer may give a power rating to data processing system 300based on a worst case. That is, the manufacturer may determine themaximum power that can be consumed by data processing system 300 basedon assumptions such as all application blades 310-320 are occupied, allstorage devices 382 and 392 are present, and application blades 310-320are running an extreme workload. The manufacturer provides the computerequipment with a power rating label, which is typically a sticker placedon the power supply. However, in practice a customer may not use dataprocessing system 300 to its capacity. In fact, a customer willtypically operate well below the full capacity of data processing system300.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware inFIGS. 1-3 may vary depending on the implementation. Other internalhardware or peripheral devices, such as flash memory, equivalentnon-volatile memory, or optical disk drives and the like, may be used inaddition to or in place of the hardware depicted in FIGS. 1-3. Also, theprocesses of the illustrative embodiments may be applied to amultiprocessor data processing system, other than the SMP systemmentioned previously, without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a data processing system forcustomized power rating for computer equipment in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. A data center may comprise computer equipment410, 420, 430 connected through a network or communication fabric 440.An information technology console 450 may also be connected tonetwork/fabric 440. Computer equipment 410, 420, 430 may includeservers, such as data processing system 104 in FIG. 1 or data processingsystem 300 in FIG. 3, client computers, such as clients 110-114 in FIG.1, storage, routers, switches, or any computer equipment that operatesunder a power rating.

Computer equipment 410, 420, 430 comprise labels 416, 426, 436,respectively. Initially labels 416, 426, 436 are the original labelsprovided by the manufacturer that define the power ratings based on“worst case” conditions. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment,an information technology (IT) customer runs computer equipment 410,420, 430 for a period of time under customer's conditions and workloads.Computer equipment 410, 420, 430 comprise power monitors and powermanagers 412, 422, 432, respectively. For example, power monitor/manager412 records power statistics for computer equipment 410. Powermonitor/manager 412 may be embodied within power subsystem 365 in FIG.3, for example. After a period of time, such as 30 days, for example, ITconsole 450 allows an operator to send actual case power information tomanufacturer server 404 via network 402. The actual case powerinformation may include, for example, the machine serial number, averagepower consumption (or average alternating current (AC) current andvoltage), and maximum power consumption (or maximum AC current andvoltage).

Upon receiving the actual case power information at manufacturer server404, the manufacturer may prepare a new certificate, which may comprisea new electrical rating label based on the actual case information. Thenew electrical rating label may be a tamper resistant and/or tamperevident sticker. The manufacturer new certificate may also comprisedigital media, which may be digitally signed by the manufacturer. Forexample, the electrical rating label may have an embedded radiofrequency identifier (RFID) device storing the serial number of themachine and power limit based on the actual case power information. Thisnew power limit is an “actual case” power limit, because it is based onthe power statistics recorded during actual operation of the computerequipment.

Upon receiving the new certificate with the associated digital media,the customer locates the equipment within equipment 410, 420, 430 towhich the certificate applies. The customer may then install the digitalpower certificate 414, 424, or 434 within respective equipment 410, 420,or 430. For example, for equipment 410, the IT customer may installdigital power certificate 414, which may comprise placing an electricalrating sticker over label 416 and/or inserting a digital medium intoequipment 410. In one example embodiment, digital power certificate 414may comprise a tamper resistant or tamper evident sticker. In oneembodiment, the sticker may have an embedded RFID device that storesdigitally signed data with the serial number of equipment 410 and powerlimit. In another example embodiment, digital power certificate 414 mayinclude a digitally signed medium, such as a flash memory storing theserial number of equipment 410 and power limit.

From that point forward, the equipment, such as equipment 410 in theabove example, continues to operate enforcing the new power limit basedon the actual power information. Power monitor/manager 412 communicateswith digital power certificate 414 to receive the actual case powerlimit and enforces a power cap that does not exceed the actual casepower limit.

Reconfiguration or other changes may result in more or less power beingused. In this case, the operator may recalibrate computer equipment 410,420, 430, and the manufacturer may issue another digital powercertificate. In one example embodiment, the actual case power limit mayinclude a buffer to allow for reconfiguration or other changes in theoperation environment.

In an example embodiment, after power monitor/manager 412, 422, or 432is configured with the actual case power limit, power monitor/manager412, 422, or 432 may detect that equipment 410, 420, or 430 reaches theneighborhood of the power limit. In this instance, power monitor/manager412, 422, or 432 may advise an operator to recalibrate. The operator maysimply remove digital power certificate 414, 424, or 434 to operate inaccordance with the “worst case” power limit. The operator may alsorecalibrate equipment 410, 420, or 430 and send new power information tomanufacturer server 404 to generate a new power certificate. In oneexample embodiment, equipment 410, 420, or 430 may detect hardwarechanges that may affect power consumption. For example, chassismanagement module 360 in FIG. 3 may detect a new application blade orstorage device. In this instance, the equipment itself may prompt anoperator to recalibrate. In an alternative embodiment, powermonitor/manager 412, 422, or 432 may detect that power has stayed farbelow the power limit for an extended period of time, indicating thatthe workload has changed. In this case, the operator may determinewhether to recalibrate to lower the actual case power limit.

The illustrative embodiments allow an IT customer to configure computerequipment to operate according to actual case power consumption. Thatis, the IT customer may purchase an appropriate amount of power from thepower company and insure the equipment based on actual power consumptionrather than a worst case configuration. Thus, capital that wouldotherwise be devoted to securing power and insurance for computerequipment that is operating well below the default electrical powerrating may be invested in IT growth.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product.Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present invention may take the form of a computer program productembodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer usableprogram code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CDROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as thosesupporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device.Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even bepaper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, asthe program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usableor computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with thecomputer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband oras part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may betransmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited towireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio frequency (RF), etc., orany suitable combination thereof.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language such asJava™, Smalltalk™, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider). In addition, the program code may be embodied on a computerreadable storage medium on the server or the remote computer anddownloaded over a network to a computer readable storage medium of theremote computer or the users' computer for storage and/or execution.Moreover, any of the computing systems or data processing systems maystore the program code in a computer readable storage medium afterhaving downloaded the program code over a network from a remotecomputing system or data processing system.

The illustrative embodiments are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to the illustrativeembodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block ofthe flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIGS. 5A-5E are flowcharts outlining example operations of providingcustomized power ratings for computer equipment in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. More particularly, FIG. 5A illustratesoperation of a manufacturer for providing a default power rating forcomputer equipment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Operation begins, and the manufacturer rates equipment with a worst casepower limit (block 502). Thereafter, operation ends.

FIG. 5B illustrates operation of an IT customer for recording powerstatistics in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Operationbegins, and the customer receives the equipment with the worst casepower limit (block 504). The customer records power statistics based onactual case operation of the computer equipment (block 506). Forinstance, the computer equipment may comprise a power monitor thatrecords power statistics. The customer then sends the actual case powerinformation to the manufacturer (block 508). The actual case powerinformation may comprise, for example, a machine serial number for theequipment, average power consumption (or average AC current andvoltage), and maximum power consumption (or maximum AC current andvoltage). Thereafter, operation ends.

FIG. 5C illustrates operation of a manufacturer for providing acustomized power rating for computer equipment in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The manufacturer prepares a new certificate anddigital media with an actual case power limit based on the actual casepower information received from the customer (block 510). Thecertificate and digital media may comprise, for example, a tamperresistant or tamper evident electrical rating sticker, a RFID device,and/or a storage device such as a flash memory device. The manufacturerthen sends the new certificate and digital media to the customer (block512). Thereafter, operation ends.

FIG. 5D illustrates operation of an IT customer for applying the newcertificate to the computer equipment in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Operation begins when the customer receives the newcertificate and digital media, and the customer locates the equipment towhich the certificate applies (block 514). The customer installs thedigital media in the equipment (block 516) and applies the certificateto the equipment (block 518). Installing the digital media may compriseinserting a storage device, such as a flash memory, for example, intothe computer equipment. Alternatively, installing the digital media maycomprise moving an RFID device within a communication range of the powermanagement component of the equipment. Applying the certificate to theequipment may comprise placing an electrical rating sticker on thecomputer equipment. The computer equipment then enforces the actual casepower limit (block 520). Thereafter, operation ends.

FIG. 5E illustrates operation of an IT customer for reconfiguringcomputer equipment with a customized power rating in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Operation begins, and the customer reconfiguresthe equipment (block 522). The customer may reconfigure the equipment byadding or removing a hardware component from the computer equipment,increasing or decreasing the workload of the computer equipment,enabling or disabling hardware or software features of the computerequipment, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, a power managementcomponent of the computer equipment may detect reconfiguration based onhardware, software, or workload changes without explicit input from theoperator. The computer equipment then records power statistics for theactual case operation of the computer equipment after thereconfiguration (block 524). The power monitor and power managementcomponent of the computer equipment then determines whether the recordedpower statistics are within the current actual case power limit (block526).

If the power monitor and power management component of the computerequipment determines that the recorded power statistics are within thecurrent actual case power limit, then operation ends. If the powermonitor and power management component of the computer equipmentdetermines that the recorded power statistics are not within the currentactual case power limit in block 526, then the customer sends the newactual case power information to the manufacturer (block 528). The powermonitor and power management component of the computer equipment maydetermine that the recorded power statistics are not within the currentactual case power limit if the recorded power statistics are too closeto the current actual case power limit (the power management systemguarantees the equipment will not consume more power than the actualcase power limit, but being close to this limit indicates theperformance of the equipment might be constrained). Alternatively, thepower monitor and power management component of the computer equipmentmay determine that the recorded power statistics are not within thecurrent actual case power limit if the recorded power statistics staywell below the current actual case power limit for an extended period oftime. Thereafter, operation ends, and the manufacturer may prepare a newcertificate and digital media based on the new actual case powerinformation.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide mechanisms for customizedpower rating for computer equipment. A power monitor determines actualpower consumption by computer equipment in a facility. After equipmenthas been stressed, an operator sends the actual power consumptioninformation to the manufacturer. The manufacturer receives the actualpower consumption information and issues a certificate that acknowledgesthe equipment will not consume more power than what was measured. Themanufacturer may provide digital media that instructs power managementhardware in the computer equipment to adhere to an actual case powerlimit. The power management hardware treats the actual case power limitas a hard power limit. That is, the power management hardware will notspecify a power cap higher than the actual case power limit. The powermanagement hardware prevents the equipment from crossing the actual casepower limit.

As noted above, it should be appreciated that the illustrativeembodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardwareand software elements. In one example embodiment, the mechanisms of theillustrative embodiments are implemented in software or program code,which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software,microcode, etc.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectlyto memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can includelocal memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulkstorage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at leastsome program code in order to reduce the number of times code must beretrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters mayalso be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system tobecome coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers orstorage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems,cable modems and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currentlyavailable types of network adapters.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A method, in a data processing system, for customized power ratingfor computer equipment, the method comprising: receiving a default powerlimit for a computer device; recording actual case power information forthe computer device based on an actual configuration and workload of thecomputer device; and applying an actual case power limit to the computerdevice, wherein the actual case power limit is determined based on therecorded actual case power information.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving a default power limit for a computer device comprisesreceiving an electrical rating sticker on the computer device.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the default power limit is based on a worstcase configuration and workload of the computer device.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein applying an actual case power limit to the computerdevice comprises: sending the recorded actual case power information toa manufacturer of the computer device; and receiving a certificatedefining the actual case power limit from the manufacturer.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the certificate comprises an electricalrating sticker.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the certificatecomprises a digital medium that stores the actual case power limit. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the digital medium is one of a radiofrequency identifier device or a flash memory.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein applying an actual case power limit to the computer devicecomprises: setting a power cap that does not exceed the actual casepower limit.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive toa customer reconfiguring the computer device to form a newconfiguration, recording new actual case power information for thecomputer device based on the new configuration and workload of thereconfigured computer device; determining whether the reconfiguredcomputer device operates within the actual case power limit; andresponsive to the reconfigured computer device not operating within theactual cased power limit, applying a new actual case power limit to thereconfigured computer device, wherein the new actual case power limit isdetermined based on the recorded new actual case power information. 10.A method, in a data processing system, for customized power rating forcomputer equipment, the method comprising: rating a computer devicebased on a worst case configuration and workload of the computer deviceto generate a default power limit for the computer device; providing anelectrical rating sticker for the computer device, wherein theelectrical rating sticker indicates the default power limit for thecomputer device; receiving, from a customer, actual case powerinformation for the computer device based on an actual configuration andworkload of the computer device; determining an actual case power limitfor the computer device based on the received actual case powerinformation; and returning to the customer a certificate defining theactual case power limit.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thecertificate comprises a second electrical rating sticker.
 12. The methodof claim 10, wherein the certificate comprises a digital medium thatstores the actual case power limit.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe digital medium is one of a radio frequency identifier device or aflash memory.
 14. A computer program product comprising a computerreadable storage medium having a computer readable program storedtherein, wherein the computer readable program, when executed on acomputing device, causes the computing device to: receive a defaultpower limit for a computer device; record actual case power informationfor the computer device based on an actual configuration and workload ofthe computer device; and apply an actual case power limit to thecomputer device, wherein the actual case power limit is determined basedon the recorded actual case power information.
 15. The computer programproduct of claim 14, wherein the default power limit is based on a worstcase configuration and workload of the computer device.
 16. The computerprogram product of claim 14, wherein applying an actual case power limitto the computer device comprises: setting a power cap that does notexceed the actual case power limit.
 17. The computer program product ofclaim 14, wherein the computer readable program further causes thecomputing device to: responsive to a customer reconfiguring the computerdevice to form a new configuration, record new actual case powerinformation for the computer device based on the new configuration andworkload of the reconfigured computer device; determine whether thereconfigured computer device operates within the actual case powerlimit; and responsive to the reconfigured computer device not operatingwithin the actual cased power limit, apply a new actual case power limitto the reconfigured computer device, wherein the new actual case powerlimit is determined based on the recorded new actual case powerinformation.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memorycoupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises instructionswhich, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive adefault power limit for a computer device; record actual case powerinformation for the computer device based on an actual configuration andworkload of the computer device; and apply an actual case power limit tothe computer device, wherein the actual case power limit is determinedbased on the recorded actual case power information.
 19. The apparatusof claim 18, wherein the default power limit is based on a worst caseconfiguration and workload of the computer device.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein applying an actual case power limit to the computerdevice comprises: setting a power cap that does not exceed the actualcase power limit.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein theinstructions which further cause the processor to: responsive to acustomer reconfiguring the computer device to form a new configuration,record new actual case power information for the computer device basedon the new configuration and workload of the reconfigured computerdevice; determine whether the reconfigured computer device operateswithin the actual case power limit; and responsive to the reconfiguredcomputer device not operating within the actual cased power limit, applya new actual case power limit to the reconfigured computer device,wherein the new actual case power limit is determined based on therecorded new actual case power information.